Beyoncé Causes Freak Out at Giuseppe Zanotti's L.A. Store Opening

It seems even legitimate fashion folks get overwhelmed in the presence of Bey.

Giuseppe Zanotti held court on Tuesday inside his newly expanded Beverly Hills boutique —complete with gorgeous white and gold accents and, of course, his vast range of statement-making shoes, jewelry and accessories. But it was Beyoncé who stole the night. It all started with someone whispering her name, which took off like a game of telephone in the crowd of champagne-sipping fashionistas and celebs that included Katharine McPhee, Naya Rivera, Elizabeth Stewart and Cher Coulter.

When Queen Bey did finally arrive, resplendent in a body-hugging white two-piece Bec & Bridge ensemble, along with a black hat and, of course, Giuseppe Zanotti heels, partygoers snapped to attention and watched, rapt, as she greeted the designer and chatted with him as they walked slowly around the store. iPhones were out in full force, as everyone tried to capture a piece of the action.

Beyoncé’s visit and tour of the store lasted just a few minutes, but it seemed for many the night’s highlight. Zanotti himself told Pret-a-Reporter before her arrival that he was a little nervous. “I don’t know why,” he said. “I’m not when I work alone with my crazy shoes, but when there are people I get shy, but it’s OK,” he reassured us. “Anyway, I’m very proud to be in L.A. with a store much bigger than before.”

Indeed, he remarked that while he was really excited about his previous small space that held his big collection, he’s even more thrilled with the new reveal because it can showcase all his work. “This summer collection for me was very important and I think it works very well with L.A. — it’s very cool, rock ’n’ roll, and sparkling, and has unisex [pieces] too,” he said. “L.A. is so happy, more than other cities.”

As for who he likes working with most, it’s not surprising who Zanotti name-checked first: “I love Beyoncé, of course. And I did the concert shoes for Nicki Minaj for her last tour. I like to work with Kanye, too.” Considering his aesthetic, it’s fitting he has a thing for larger-than-life personalities.